If you can't keep up with the repairs on a 123 diesel, a 300E will probably destroy you.

Head job- $1800
Trans- $2000
AC- $1000-$2500
Suspension rebuild- $2000.

Unless these things have been done, the car will need it eventually.

__________________
'90 300SE 298k
-300K and it gets put into retirement.
'80 300D 255k Purchased new by family in 1980.

Had a:
1973 220 (gas)
1980 300SD
1992 400E